Responsible Individual / Head of Operations – Children’s Residential Services
£70,000 – £80,000 per annum. Full-time, Permanent (40 hours per week). Includes senior on-call responsibilities.
We are recruiting an experienced and strategic Responsible Individual / Head of Operations to provide senior leadership across a group of children’s residential services in Derbyshire. This key leadership position is responsible for ensuring high-quality, safe, and compliant care across multiple homes supporting children and young people. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with Directors and Registered Managers, providing governance, oversight, and strategic direction to ensure services achieve and maintain strong regulatory standards and positive outcomes for young people.
Responsibilities
* Provide senior operational leadership and oversight across multiple children’s residential homes.
* Act as the nominated Responsible Individual with Ofsted, ensuring regulatory compliance and organisational assurance.
* Support, supervise, and hold Registered Managers accountable for the safe and effective delivery of care.
* Ensure compliance with Children’s Homes Regulations and Quality Standards 2015, safeguarding frameworks, and relevant legislation.
* Maintain inspection readiness and support services through Ofsted inspections.
* Oversee quality assurance systems, audits, and organisational performance frameworks.
* Review Regulation 44 and Regulation 45 reports and ensure recommendations are implemented.
* Lead safeguarding governance and liaise with the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) when required.
* Build strong relationships with commissioners, regulators, and partner agencies.
* Support workforce development, recruitment oversight, leadership mentoring and succession planning.
* Provide strategic reporting and assurance information to Directors.
* Participate in senior on‑call and provide leadership during critical incidents when required.
About You
* Significant senior leadership experience within children’s residential care.
* Experience working as a Responsible Individual, Operations Manager, Head of Operations or equivalent senior role.
* Proven experience supporting and managing Registered Managers across multiple services.
* Strong knowledge of Children’s Homes Regulations and Quality Standards 2015, safeguarding legislation, and compliance frameworks.
* Experience working with commissioners, Ofsted and external agencies.
* A track record of supporting services to achieve and maintain Ofsted Good or Outstanding ratings.
* Strong leadership, governance and organisational skills.
* Full UK Driving Licence.
Qualifications Required
* Level5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People’s Services. Enhanced DBS preferred.
* Level7 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare.
What’s on Offer
* Salary £70,000 – £80,000 per annum depending on experience.
* Performance‑related bonus linked to senior leadership objectives.
* Senior strategic leadership role with strong autonomy.
* Career progression opportunities within a growing organisation.
* Comprehensive induction and ongoing professional development.
* Company laptop and mobile phone.
* Mileage allowance for business travel.
* Employer pension contributions.
* Free parking and on‑site facilities.
* Cycle to work scheme and company events.
* Supportive, values‑led senior leadership environment.
Contact: Emailoliver@healthrecruitnetwork.co.uk. Phone02038540307.
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